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“Liam, you were a child. We both were. What matters now is that you found me.” I step forward, closing the distance between us. I reach out and pull his hand into mine. “Life hasn’t been easy for either of us, but this is our chance. The chance for both of us to be happy.”
He considers that for a moment, his jaw ticking as he thinks. Then, pulling me against him in a tight embrace, he says, “I don’t want to lose you again, Bebe.”
“You won’t,” I promise. “Just because I’m living in Austin, doesn’t mean I can’t come visit. And the same goes for you. Judge gave you an open invitation, I’m told, and I expect you to use it.”
Liam gazes down at me, eyes filled with a mixture of happy and sad, something I’m all too familiar with. After a moment, he frowns, his eyes zeroing in on my hand still in his. “Where’s your wedding ring?”
“We haven’t exactly gotten around to picking one out yet,” I admit.
Liam stares at me and nods, saying nothing. I watch as he drops my hand and turns, walking toward the enormous portrait. He touches the edge and the frame swings wide, revealing a safe set into the wall. He presses his fingerprint against a scanner and the lock safe clicks, popping the door open. Without a word, he reaches inside, retrieving a small black box.
He moves to stand before me and takes my wrist, placing the tiny box in my palm. “Open it.”
Confused, I peer down at the box and do as he asks. Gently, I open the lid andgasp when I see what’s inside.
A beautiful vintage ring set in platinum, with black geometric diamonds flanking a large diamond stone in the middle, sits nestled in a velvet cushion. The center stone glitters beneath the lights of the room. A dazzling brilliance of colors.
“What is this?”
“That was our grandmother’s wedding ring. The same one our mum wore when she married Da.”
“Liam,” I breathe. “I can’t accept this. This is too much.”
Plucking the ring from the box, he takes my hand and slide the heirloom onto my bare finger. When his eyes lift to mine, he smiles. “This was always meant to be yours, Bebe. I’m just glad I get the chance to see you wear it.”
“It’s beautiful,” I say, unable to look away as the reflection of the ocean catches on the center stone. “Does this mean I have your blessing?”
Liam cocks his brow. “A little late for that.”
I giggle. “True. But having it would mean the world to me.”
“Priest is not who I would’ve picked for you, Bria, but I know he can protect you. His club will protect you. A man who is willing to kill to protect what he loves is a man I can come to call my brother-in-law. In due time, of course.”
“Of course.” I try and fail to hold back my smirk. “Now come on. You owe me a tour of your house.”
Liam shakes his head. “Our house, Bebe. Don’t forget, you’re a Collins too.”
“Actually, I’m a former Collins,” I remind him. “Though, I don’t actually know my new last name.” I place a finger to my chin and Liam scowls, which only makes me laugh. “Kidding, big brother. Stow your growling. I’m a Russo now.”
“An Italian,” Liam groans, scrubbing a hand over his face. “I think Priest and I need to have a little talk.”
“Don’t be too hard on him about marrying me without your permission. It truly was a spur of the moment thing, but I don’t regret it. He makes me happy.”
“Don’t worry, Bebe. He’ll get what’s coming for him.”
I sigh, knowing that Priest can handle whatever Liam throws at him. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
The two men in my life. The brother I never knew I had, and the man I never expected to love.
This has to be what happiness looks like. And going forward, it’s this happiness I’ll cling to for the rest of my life.
PRIEST
“You ready for this?”I ask, giving her hand a squeeze before we go inside. “Judge is probably gonna shoot me on the spot as soon as we walk in there.”
Bria smiles. “Nah. Judge will understand. If not, I’ll sic Grace on him.”
I huff out a laugh. “I see you’re already beginning to understand how this club operates.”
